Material compacting and disposal apparatus

ABSTRACT

A material compacting and disposal apparatus comprising a press unit for compressing the material, an extrusion housing for further reducing the volume of the compressed material and a disposal conduit for disposing of the material. The press unit comprises a precompression chamber having a gate pivotally movable therethrough and a compression chamber oriented below and communicating with the precompression chamber and having a press platen movable longitudinally therethrough. The gate pivots through the precompression chamber, compresses material delivered thereto into the compression chamber and forms the top of the compression chamber. The press platen then moves through the compression chamber and forces the material therein through the extrusion housing and into the disposal conduit. The apparatus may be mounted on the floor of a building or attached to a refuse truck wherein the disposal conduit enters the storage compartment of the truck. In the embodiment used in buildings the disposal conduit communicates with a storage housing which has a reciprocating conveyor therein.

United States Patent [191 Fishburne June 24, 1975 MATERIAL COMPACTING AND DISPOSAL APPARATUS [76] Inventor: Francis B. Fishburne, 24 Summit Dr., Asheville, NC. 28704 [22] Filed: Dec. 13, 1972 [21] Appl. No.: 314,601

[52] U.S. Cl. 100/48; lOO/142; 100/189;

100/191; 100/232; 100/269; 198/223; 214/833 [51] Int. Cl B30b 15/16; B30b 15/30 [58] Field of Search 100/179-191,

100/142, 48, 50, DIG. 5, 232, 269, 43, DIG. 8, 137, 100; 198/221, 223; 214/833 Primary Examiner-Peter Feldman Attorney, Agent, or FirmRoylance, Abrams, Berdo & Kaul 5 7] ABSTRACT A material compacting and disposal apparatus comprising a press unit for compressing the material, an extrusion housing for further reducing the volume of the compressed material and a disposal conduit for disposing of the material. The press unit comprises a precompression chamber having a gate pivotally movable therethrough and a compression chamber oriented below and communicating with the precompression chamber and having a press platen movable longitudinally therethrough. The gate pivots through the precompression chamber, compresses material delivered thereto into the compression chamber and forms the top of the compression chamber. The press platen then moves through the compression chamber and forces the material therein through the extrusion housing and into the disposal conduit. The apparatus may be mounted on the floor of a building or attached to a refuse truck wherein the disposal conduit enters the storage compartment of the truck. In the embodiment used in buildings the disposal conduit communicates with a storage housing which has a reciprocating conveyor therein.

11 Claims, 10 Drawing Figures SHEET PATENTEDJuuums F/GI 7 MATERIAL COMPACTING AND DISPOSAL APPARATUS This invention relates to a material compacting and disposal apparatus, and more particularly relates to an apparatus for compressing and extruding solid waste material which apparatus can be mounted in a building or on a truck.

In order to efficiently dispose of solid waste materials, it is highly beneficial to compact those materials to the smallest volume economically possible. This compaction not only reduces the space necessary to store the materials prior to their disposal, but additionally reduces the space ultimately necessary to accommodate the material at landfills.

Prior art devices are known which can compress or compact waste material and thereby reduce the volume which the material occupies. Some of these devices are characterized by having a constant cross-sectional chamber into which the material is placed and through which a platen is moved to compress the material. Other devices are characterized by having a chamber with a constantly tapering cross-section wherein the material is moved through the tapering chamber by means of a platen and is extruded through one end of the chamber.

The basic problem with the aforementioned prior art devices is that they do not provide a sufficient compacting force in relation to their weight and horsepower requirements.

The present invention combines both of the aforementioned types of compacting devices and thereby increases the efficiency of the compacting process. The present invention can compact materials such as wood, organic garbage, glass, plastics, tin cans, and aluminum cans. It is designed to provide 300 psi of compacting pressure and can reduce the volume of the material feed thereto by 90 percent. An added advantage of the present invention is that, due to the great compacting forces exerted, liquids often found in organic garbage are absorbed by any porous material, such as paper, found in the garbage, thereby eliminating the problem of liquid drainage. Additionally, the storage housing provided with the embodiment for use in buildings, provides a convenient and sanitary storage container for the compacted material until it is ready for disposal. When the apparatus according to the present invention is attached to a refuse truck, the high compaction provided allows the refuse truck to make fewer trips to a landfill, eliminates the necessity of additional compaction at landfills, and allows immediate construction on the landfill without waiting for the material to settle.

Therefore, it is an object of the present invention to provide a material compacting and disposal apparatus which will provide a substantially high degree of compression to the material fed thereto.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus which can store compacted material and convey it away as desired.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus for compacting material which can readily be used in combination with a refuse truck.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a compacting apparatus with an automatic hydraulic and electrical control system.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus which first compresses material in a uniform cross-sectional container and then extrudes the compressed material through a constantly tapering housing to further compress the material.

Other objects, advantages and salient features of the present invention wil become apparent from the following detailed description, which, taken in conjunction with the appended drawings, describes preferred embodiments of the present invention.

Referring now to the drawings which form a part of this original disclosure:

FIG. 1 is a top view of the apparatus in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the apparatus shown in FIG. 1 taken along lines 2-2 in FIG.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the extrusion;

FIG. 4 is a side view of the apparatus of FIG. 1 additionally showing the disposal conduit, the storage housing and the reciprocating conveyor;

FIG. 5 is an enlarged view of a portion of the storage housing and the conveyor shown in FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a view similar to FIG. 5 but showing the compacted material advanced by the conveyor;

FIG. 7 is a side elevation of a refuse truck in combination with the compacting apparatus in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the storage compartment of the refuse truck shown in FIG. 7 taken along lines 8-8 in FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram of the hydraulic control system for the compacting apparatus; and

FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of the electrical control system for the compacting apparatus.

The foregoing objects are attained by utilizing an apparatus which first compresses the material, and then forces that compressed material through an extrusion housing and then directly into a disposal conduit. The material is first compressed in a press unit which is comprised of a compression chamber having a rectangular cross-section and a precompression chamber which is formed from two upstanding walls which extend from a lateral opening in the compression chamber. A gate is moved through the upstanding walls to compress the material against the bottom of the compression chamber. That gate then fills the lateral opening and forms the top of the compression chamber through which a press platen is moved forcing the compressed material through a constantly tapering extrusion throat. The material is thus further compressed and is moved into and along a disposal conduit communicating with the end of the extrusion throat. Communicating with the disposal conduit is a storage housing which has a reciprocating conveyor therein which when activated moves the material away from the extrusion throat along the storage housing. The compacting apparatus can be attached to a refuse truck wherein the disposal conduit leads into the storage compartment of the refuse truck.

Referring to the drawings in further detail the apparatus in accordance with the present invention is generally designated 10 as seen in FIGS. 1 and 2. The apparatus 10 is comprised of a press unit 12, and extrusion housing 14, and a disposal conduit 16.

The press unit 12 includes a precompression chamber 18, a compression chamber 20, a gate 40 and a platen 62. The compression chamber 20 is formed from a rectangular base plate 22 oriented in a horizontal position and two planar rectangular channel beams 24 and 26 fastened at their longer bottom edges to the side edges of the base plate 22. These channel members are oriented perpendicular to the base plate 22 and define a lateral opening 23 between them at the top of the compression chamber 20. The chamber is rectangular in cross-section.

The precompression chamber 18 has a rectangular cross-section, is formed as an extension to the compression chamber 20 and is located above the lateral opening 23. The precompression chamber 18 is defined on one side by a rectangular wall 28 which is mounted parallel to and on the top edge of the channel member 26. The opposite side of the precompression chamber is formed from a substantially L-shaped panel 30 which is also parallel to the opposite wall 28 and is mounted on the top edge of the channel member 24. Extending along the top edge portion of part of the length of the L-shaped panel 30 is a trapezoid-shaped hopper wall 32 which extends outwardly at an angle to the plane of the panel 30 and is directly connected thereto at its botttom edge and at one end by a triangular shaped plate 34. The other end of the hopper wall 32 is connected to a trapezoid shaped end wall 36 which is also connected to the wall 28 as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. These walls 32 and 36 form a hopper 29 for the receipt of the material to be compacted.

Defining one end of the precompression chamber 18 is an arcuate wall 38 connected between the panel 30 and the wall 28 with its bottom edge located on the top of the channel members 24 and 26 and its top edge connected to the bottom edge of the end wall 36. At the other end of the precompression chamber 18 is a pivotable gate 40 having a rectangular planar shape and hingedly attached at its bottom to a support 42 connected between the channel members 24 and 26. The support 42 is a rectangular plate having a reinforcing rib on one side, the plate being welded at its ends to channel members 24 and 26. The radius of curvature of the arcuate wall 38 is equal to the length of the gate 40.

As best seen in FIG. 1, the gate 40 has three spaced cylindrical portions 44 connected at its pivotal end which have central bores through which a rod 46 passes to pivotally connect the cylindrical portions 44 to corresponding spaced cylindrical portions 48 connected to the support 42. Two reinforcing ribs 43 are securely connected to the top of the gate 40.

The gate 40 is movable by means of a hydraulic cylinder 50 which has a piston 51 pivotally connected to the beams 43 and which is itself pivotally connected to a support bar 52. The support bar 52 is connected at its ends to two upstanding parallel channel beams 54 and 56 which are in turn connected to the ends of respective channel members 24 and 26. As will be described in further detail hereinafter, the gate 40 can be pivoted from its initial retracted position shown in FIG. 2 in solid lines to an actuated position shown in phantom wherein the planar surface of the gate 40 forms the top of the compression chamber 20 and conforms to the lateral opening 23.

As seen in FIGS. 1 and 2, rigidly mounted beteen the ends of the channel members 24 and 26 opposite the ends having the channel beams 54 and 56 is a hydraulic cylinder 58 having a piston 60 movable therethrough. At the exterior end of the piston is a press platen 62 which has a cross-sectional configuration corresponding to the rectangular cross-section of the compression chamber 20 formed by the base plate 22, the channel members 24 and 26 and the gate 40 when it is in its actuated position shown in phantom lines in FIG. 2. The press platen is movable through the chamber 20 from a first retracted position shown in solid lines in FIG. 2 to a second extended or actuated position shown in phantom in FIG. 2 wherein the platen 62 is adjacent the hinged connection of the gate 40 to the channel members 24 and 26.

The extrusion housing 14 is formed from an extrusion gate 90 and an extrusion conduit 80. The extrusion conduit extends at an angle of approximately l5 to the base plate 22 from a position adjacent the support 42, which conduit is rectangular in cross-section. One end of the extrusion conduit 80 is connected by means of a .joint coupling 82 to the disposal conduit 16. The top of the extrusion conduit has a lateral opening 86 which is rectangular in shape and which receives the extrusion gate 90 which is pivotally mounted to the support 42 at one end. The extrusion gate 90 is shown in more detail in FIG. 3 and has a similar connection to the support 42 as that of the gate 40.

Specifically, the extrusion gate 90 is formed from a planar rectangular plate 92 having three axially bored cylindrical portions 94 spaced along one edge and an arcuate seal 96 welded at the opposite end. Connected along the top surface of the plate 92 are a series of reinforcing members 98 which extend from the arcuate seal 96 to the cylindrical portions 94. A rod passes through the bores in the portions 94 and through bores in corresponding cylindrical portions 97 attached to the support 42.

As seen specifically in FIG. 2, the extrusion gate 90 is pivotally connected to the piston 101 of a hydraulic cylinder which is pivotally connected to a support bar 102 which is in turn connected between the upstanding channel beams 54 and 56. Actuation of the cylinder 100 can position the gate 90 within the conduit 80. In contacting relationship to the arcuate seal 96 at one end of the extrusion gate 90 is a seal plate 104 which is rigidly connected to the top of the extrusion conduit 80 at the edge of the lateral opening 86. The extrusion throat 81 is defined between the walls of the extrusion conduit 80 and the bottom of the extrusion gate 90. Supporting the bottom of the extrusion conduit 80 are two beams 106 which are connected to the base plate 22.

Turning now to FIG. 4, the apparatus shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 is shown connected to the disposal conduit 16 which is in turn connected to the storage housing 119 having a reciprocating conveyor 120 movable therethrough. The reciprocating conveyor 120 is formed from a conduit 122 which is a continuation of the dis posal conduit 16, a reciprocating bar 124, and a series of paddles 126. A slight bend or curve 121 is provided in the conduit 122 adjacent one end of the bar 124. The conduit 122 is rectangular in cross-section and has an elongated slot 128 in the top wall thereof which receives the paddles 126 which are pivotally supported on the reciprocating bar 124 by means of rods 130. Each paddle 126 is formed from a rectangular plate 132 rigidly connected to the rod along an angle beam 134. Each angle beam 134 extends through one of a series of spaced slots 136 in the bottom of the reciprocating bar 124 as best seen in FIG. 5. As shown in FIGS. 4, 5 and 6, each paddle plate 126 is capable of pivoting in a counterclockwise direction to a position at least parallel to the top of the conduit 122 and is prevented from pivoting in the clockwise direction past a point at which each paddle plate is vertical by means of engagement of the angle beam 134 with the bottom of the reciprocating bar 124 which is adjacent the spaced slots 136. As seen in FIG. 4, the reciprocating bar 124 is supported for movement along the longitudinal axis of the conduit 122 on rollers 138 and is moved therealong by means of actuation of a hydraulic cylinder 140 and a piston 142 which is connected to one end of the reciprocating bar 124 and which is movable through the cylinder 140 which is mounted to the top of the conduit 122.

Referring now to FIGS. 7 and 8, the compression and compacting apparatus in accordance with the present invention is shown attached to a refuse truck which is generally designated 150. The compacting apparatus is disposed on one side of the refuse truck 150 and has a disposal conduit 16 communicating with the interior of the storage compartment 152, which is located on the back of the truck, by means of an inlet 154 which is shown in FIG. 8. As seen therein, the disposal conduit 16 has a slight bend 156 as it leads into the inlet 154. The storage compartment 152 is typically cylindrical in shape and has a planar front end and a hemispherical rear end. The rear end 158 has a hinged portion 160 which is pivotally mounted at its top to the rest of the storage compartment 152 and, when released from a secured position, swings open to allow refuse in the compartment to be pushed from the compartment by means of a cylindrical plate 162 which is hydraulically movable by means of actuation of a piston 161 carried in a hydraulic cylinder 164 which is located at the forward portion of the storage compartment 152. As shown in solid lines in FIG. 8 the plate 162 is normally at rest near the forward portion of the storage compartment and can be moved rearward as shown in phantom past the inlet 1 54 when the refuse is to be pushed from the compartment. Connected to one side of the plate 162 and perpendicular thereto is a rectangular cover plate 166 which is oriented such that on movement of the plate 162 towards the rear of the compartment 152 the cover plate will cover the inlet 154.

Referring now to FIG. 9, the hydraulic control system for operating the apparatus 10 is illustrated in schematic form.

Hydraulic pumps 199 and 200 are connected to a motor 202 and via filters 204 and 205 to a hydraulic fluid return system and storage container 206.

The blind end of the hydraulic cylinder 100 is connected to the hydraulic pump 199 by means of a hydraulic line 208 which has a solenoid relief valve 210 therein. The solenoid relief valve 210 has a line 211 leading to the return system 206 and is controlled by means of a relay to be described hereinafter. The other end of the hydraulic cylinder 100 is coupled to the return system 206 via line 209.

Another line 216 leads from the pump 200 to a manifold or junction 218. From junction 218 another line 220 leads to a solenoid valve 222 which has an outgoing line 224 leading to return system 206.

From the junction 218 a line 226 leads to a junction 228 which connects with a line 230 and a line 232. Line 230 leads from junction 228 to one end of the hydraulic cylinder 50 and another line 232 leads from junction 228 to a valve 234 which connects along line 236 through junction 238 to a line 240 which leads to the opposite end of the hydraulic cylinder 50 from that of line 230. Valve 234 is a conventional electrically operated solenoid valve with pilot pressure control.

From junction 238 a line 242 proceeds to a valve 244 which has a line 246 which is connected to return system 206. Valve 244 is similar in construction to valve 234.

On line 226 is a check valve 248 and on line 232 is a check valve 250 which check valves prevent reverse flow of the hydraulic fluid.

A solenoid valve 252 is connected to line 232 between the junction 228 and the check valve 250 by means of a pilot line 254 and is connected to valve 234 by means of a pilot line 256. The solenoid valve 252 is also connected by means of line 258 to the return system 206 and by means of a pilot line 260 to the valve 244.

' Leading from junction 218 to a junction 270 is a line 272 having a check valve 274 therein. From junction 270 a line 276 leads to one end of the hydraulic cylinder 58. Also leading from junction 270 is a line 278 having a check valve 280 therein and which is connected to a valve 282.

Leading from valve 282 is a line 284 which extends to a junction 286 which has a line 288 leading therefrom and extending to the opposite end of the hydraulic cycliner 58 from line 276 and which also has a line 290 extending therefrom to a valve 292. The valve 292 has a line 294 leading therefrom into return system 206.

A solenoid valve 296 has a pilot line 298 leading from it to valve 292. A line 300 leads from valve 296 to the return system 206. Also extending from the solenoid valve 296 is a pilot line 302 which extends to the valve 282 and a pilot line 304 which extends to a junction 306 located in line 278 between the check valve 280 and the junction 270. Valves 282 and 292 are similar in construction to valves 244 and 234.

A limit switch 312, which is located at the blind end of the cylinder 58, is connected to the solenoid valve 252 and is actuated by contact with an extension 55 on a stroke tube 59, which is connected to and movable with the piston 60 in the hydraulic cylinder 58, when the piston is fully retracted.

A limit switch 314, which is located at the piston end of cylinder 58 is connected to the solenoid valve 296 and is actuated by contact with extension 55 on the stroke tube 59 when the piston is fully extended.

Another limit switch 316, which is located at the piston end of the cylinder 58 is connected to solenoid valve 296 and is actuated by contact with a cam 37 on a rod 39 which is pivotally connected to the gate 40. Actuation of switch 316 occurs when the gate 40 is in its actuated position.

A further limit switch 318, which is located at the blind end of the cylinder 50, is actuated by contact with cam 37 on the rod 39.

Turning now to FIG. 10, the electrical control unit of the apparatus is shown schematically. This unit contains all of the circuitry that controls and monitors electrical power to the apparatus 10 and also provides the automatic sequencing of the several hydraulic cylinders which operate the gates. Power from the volt 60 hz (source not shown) is connected to terminals 410 and 412 of the control unit. Power from terminal 410 is connected to disconnect 413 via path 411. From disconnect 413 power flows through path 414, fuse 415 and via path 416 to a two section power switch shown generally as 417. Contacts 417A are closed when the power switch is off and apply power to the power off indicator light 419. Contacts 4178 are normally opened, i.e., with switch 417 in the off position contacts 4178 are non-conducting. With switch 417 in the on position, contacts 4178 are closed and power is supplied through paths 420 to power on indicator light 421. The other terminal of both indicator lights 419 and 421 are returned to the other side of the 120 volt power source through path 422 and terminal 412.

With power switch 417 in the on position 120 volts is applied through paths 423 and 424 to the series connected safety push buttons 425 and 426. These push buttons are so located on the apparatus 10 that one must be operated by the left hand and the other by the right hand as a safety precaution to insure that both hands of the operator are out of the way of the gates when the apparatus is initially activated. Upon manipulation of push buttons 425 and 426 to a closed position power is applied via path 427 to a contact 428 of relay 429, to coil 430 of relay 431, to indicator light 432 and to solenoid valve 252 of the apparatus 10 which is shown in FIG. 9. Indicator light 432 and coil 430 of relay 431 are returned to the common side of the 120 volt line via path 422 and terminal 412. The other side of solenoid valve 252 is also returned via path 422 to the common side of the 120 volt power.

With coil 430 of relay 431 energized, contacts 433 and 434 are closed and conduct voltage via path 423 and 435 to the four-section auto/manual switch shown generally as 436. The auto/manual switch permits the different gates of the apparatus to be operated under manual control with the auto/manual switch in the manual position. The relay control circuits of the controller automatically sequents the gates with the auto/- manual switch in the auto position. In FIG. 10 the auto/manual switch is shown in the auto position. Power is conducted via path 435, contacts 436A and path 437 to the solenoid valve 222 shown in FIG. 9. The other side of valve 222 is returned to the low side of the 120 volt line at terminal 12. This connection is not shown for the sake of clarity.

With valve 222 energized, i.e., in the closed position, hydraulic pressure builds up in the hydraulic system.

As previously described, power is applied via path 427 and terminal 442 to solenoid valve 252. The return path for solenoid valve 252 is via terminal 443 and path 422. Upon application of the power to solenoid valve 252 hydraulic pressure is applied to cylinder 50, causing the gate 40 to initiate its travel. Upon completion of the travel of gate 40, limit switch 316 closes and applies power obtained via path 423 through switch section 436D, path 444, limit switch 316, path 445 and 446 to contacts 447 and 449 of relays 448 and 450 respectively.

It will be noted that contacts 447 and 451 are normally closed and conducting when relay 448 is deenergized. Thus upon closure of the limit switch 316 power is applied through the contacts 447 and 451 and via path 452 to the coil 453 of relay 429. Current from the other side of the relay coil 453 is conducted via path 422 to the other side of the 120 volt line at terminal 412. With relay 429 energized, contacts 454 and 428 close and the current is conducted via path 424 and 427 to solenoid valve 252 via terminals 442 and 443.

Current conducted through these paths affectively bypass the series connected safety push button switches 425 and 426, permitting their release. Thus, with gate 40 at the limit of its travel and with limit switch 316 closed, the push button switches are bypassed, and the control system together with the solenoid valves, gates and limit switches proceeds through a completed sequence of operations fully automatically. If however, the push buttons are released before switch 316 is closed, then the gate 40 will return to its retracted start position.

With limit switch 316 closed power is also applied via path 446, contact 449 and 460 of relay 450, and via path 461 to coil 462 of relay 463. The other side of relay coil 462 is connected via path 422 to the low side of the power line via terminal 412. Current flowing through the path just described energizes coil 462 and causes contacts 464 and 465 to close. The power via path 423 and contacts of switch 436B flows through path 466, in the now-closed contracts of relay 463, via path 467 to solenoid valve 296, which is connected to terminal 468, and return path 422 via terminal 469. With solenoid valve 296 energized, hydraulic oil is permitted to flow to cylinder 58, causing the press platen to travel outwardly. I

With relay 463 energized voltages also apply via path 467 to coil 468 of relay 469. The current return for coil 468 is via path 422 to the low side of the power line terminal 412. An indicator light 470, connected in parallel l circuit arrangement with the relay coil 468, indicates the status of delay relay 469. Power, via path 423, is connected to contact 471 of relay 469. The mating contact 472 is connected via path 473 to terminal 474. Terminals 474 and 475, which is the current return path, are connected to solenoid valve 210. The exact function of the delay relay 469 and the associated valve 210 will be described hereinafter.

With relay 463 energized and contacts 464 and 465 closed, thus activating solenoid valve 296 which supplies hydraulic oil to cylinder 58, as previously described, piston will continue to travel until limit switch 314 is operated at the extreme limit of the travel. With the contacts of limit switch 314 closed power is applied .via path 476 and 477 to coil 478 of relay 450. The return path for relay coil 478 is via path 422 to terminal 412. An indicator light 479 shows the status of relay 450. Closure of limit switch 314 which energizes relays 450 also closes contacts 480 and 481 and opens contacts 460 and 449.

Note that contacts 480 and 481 of relay 450 in conjunction with power applied through path 482, act as self-holding contacts for relay 450. It is important to note that limit switch 318, which is in series circuit arrangement with the contacts and coils of relay 450 is normally in the closed position. That is, when the solenoid valve 252 is energized, providing hydraulic fluid to cylinder 50 and piston 51 travels away from the home position, then limit switch 318 closes and completes the circuit through the contacts and coil of relay 450. Note further that the operation of limit switch 318 is effectively opposite in its functional operation to that of the other three limit switches 312,314, and 316, i.e.,

limit switches 312, 314 and 316 are'closed when activated by movement of the associated piston whereas limit switch is opened. 7

Upon energization of relay 450, contacts 449 and 460, which are normally'closed, are now opened and deenergize relay 463 via interconnection 461. With relay 463 deenergized, contacts 465 and 464 separate and cut off the current through path 467 to solenoid valve 296 connected to terminal 468. Deenergization of solenoid valve 296 permits piston assembly 60 to return to its home position.

With piston assembly 60 in its home position, limit switch 312 is activated, completing the circuit composed of limit switch 318, path 482, contacts 480 and 481, path 477, limit switch 312, relay coil 487 and through return path 422 to the other side of the power line via terminal 412. With the energization of relay coil 487 normally closed contacts 447 and 451 open which in turn deenergizes relay coil 453. With relay 453 in the deenergized state, contacts 428 and 454 open and deenergize both relay 431 and solenoid valve 252.

With the solenoid valve 252 in the deenergized condition, piston assembly 51 returns to its home position and activates limit switch 318, returning it to its normally open position. With limit switch 318 in the open position, the control assembly and the apparatus has completed one cycle of operation and has been returned to its original condition ready for the next cycle of operation.

The time delay relay 438 acts in conjunction with valve 210 to prevent overload of the main cylinder assembly 58. Upon energization and closure of solenoid valve 296 hydraulic pressure is applied to press platen 62 and its movement is started. At the same instant that solenoid 296 is energized a time delay mechanism for relay 469 is initiated If piston 60 travels at the normal velocity, and reaches limit switch 314 before the delay cycle of relay 469 is completed, the relay coil of relay 469 is never energized. Under these conditions, relay 429 and solenoid valve 296 are deenergized by the operation of limit switch 316 as previously described. With greater load on the platen, i.e., sufficient load to delay travel of piston 60, the delay cycle of relay 469 will be completed before limit switch 314 is activated. Under these conditions the contacts 471 and 472 of delay relay 469 will close and energize valve 210. With valve 210 operated hydraulic fluid flows to return system 206 and gate 90 is permitted to pivot upwards, under pressure of the material being forced towards it, relieving pressure on piston assembly 60, thus permitting piston 60 to complete its travel and activate limit switch 314.

With the auto/manual switch 436 in the manual position, switch 439 in conjunction with section 436C of the auto/manual switch may be used to provide manual operation of the solenoid valve 296. In a similar manner switch 439 permits the manual operation of valve 222.

In the overall operation of the compacting apparatus 10, a four-step sequence is followed. In the start position the gate 40 is in a substantially upright position as shown in FIG. 2 in solid lines, the platen 62 is in its fully retracted position as shown in solid lines, and the extrusion gate 90 is in a position to reduce the crosssectional dimension of the extrusion conduit 80 as shown in FIG. 2. Material to be compacted is directed into the hopper 29 formed by the walls 32, 34 and 36 and falls into the precompression chamber 18 and the compression chamber 20.

Then the first step of the sequence is begun by moving the gate 40 downward to an actuated position shown in phantom in FIG. 2. During this step, the material is compressed into the space defined by the chamber 20 by movement of the gate, which movement ceases when the gate 40 occupies the lateral opening 23 at the top of the chamber 20. During this movement, the free end of the gate 40 moves along the inner surface of the arcuate end wall 38.

The second step consists of actuating the piston 60 to move the platen 62 from its retracted position shown in solid lines in FIG. 2 to the actuated position shown in phantom lines. This movement causes the material in the chamber 20 to be forced through the extrusion throat 81 and into the disposal conduit 16.

The third step in the sequence is the retracting of the platen 62 to its start position.

And the fourth step is the retracting of the gate 40 from its horizontal actuated position to its substantially vertical initial position.

Then the four-step sequence is repeated for successive loads of material with each successive load delivered through the extrusion throat pushing the previous load further along the disposal conduit 16.

More specifically, with reference to FIGS. 9 and 10, in the start position limit switch 318 is in an open position, valve 222 is open and solenoid valve 296 is in a deenergized state causing valve 282 to be closed and valve 292 to be opened. Also solenoid valve 252 is in a deenergized state causing valve 234 to be closed and valve 244 to be open. Relief valve 210 is also open and the position of the extrusion gate is adjusted for the desired throating spacing.

After material is deposited in the chambers 18 and 20, to begin the first step of the sequence both safety push button switches 425 and 426 are depressed which applies power to relay 431 and solenoid valve 252. Energization of relay 431 actuates valve 222 which closes and permits pressure to build up in the hydraulic system. Energization of solenoid valve 252 opens valve 234 and closes valve 244. This allows hydraulic fluid to flow from the tank 206 through the filter 205 and via the pump 200 and lines 216, 226, 232, and 240 into the hydraulic cylinder 50 which causes the piston 51 and the gate 40 to move down to the actuated position shown in phantom lines in FIG. 2. This movement compresses the material in the chambers 18 and 20. Also, the movement of the gate 40 downwards causes the cam 37 on the rod 39 to move downwards to close the switch 318. At the end of the downward pivot of the gate 40 the cam 37 on the rod 39 closes the limit switch 316 which in turn closes relay 463 which activates solenoid valve 296 to open valve 282 and close valve 292, while valves 222 and 244 remain closed and valve 234 remains open. This keeps the gate 40 in its activated position. Additionally, energization of relay 463 causes safety push buttons 425 and 426 to be bypassed and permits their release without stopping the automatic cycle of operation. In this manner, the operators hands must remain on the buttons until the gate 40 is fully closed or else the gate will return to its start position.

Actuation of valve 296 as described above also instigates step two of the operation and allows hydraulic fluid to flow along lines 216, 272, 278, 284 and 288 and consequently into the blind end of the hydraulic cylinder 58. This movement of the fluid causes the piston 60 to extend and thereby move the platen 62 to its position shown in phantom lines in FIG. 2, thus pushing the compressed material in the chamber through the extrusion throat 81, where it is further compressed.

When the piston 60 moves to the position where platen 62 is at its farthest run, step three is instigated because the limit switch 314 is activated by extension 55 to energize relay 450 including its self-holding contacts. Energization of relay 450 causes the deenergization of relay 463 which in turn deenergizes solenoid valve 296. This in turn closes valve 282 and opens valve 292 which allows hydraulic fluid to flow along lines 216, 272 and 276 so that it enters the hydraulic cylinder 58 causing the piston 60 to move back to its initial start position. During this operation, valve 222 remains closed, valve 234 remains open, and valve 244 remains closed so that the gate 40 still remains in the activated position.

The fourth stage of the sequence of operation is started when the piston 60 moves back to its original retracted position where the limit switch 312 is activated by the contact with the extension 55. This energizes relay 448 and deenergizes relay 429 and solenoid valve 252 and relay 431 so that valve 234 closes and valve 244 opens. Valve 282 remains closed and valve 292 remains open. Hydraulic fluid therefore flows along lines 216, 226, and 230 so that it consequently flows into cylinder 50 to activate the gate 40 and move it back to its initial start position which is substantially vertical.

This movement also causes cam 37 to open limit switch 318 to in turn open valve 222. Thus, the entire system is automatically returned to the start position ready for the first step in the sequence for successive loads of material.

Turning now to FIGS. 4, 5 and 6, the operation of the reciprocating conveyor will be described. After the waste material, designated 63, is compacted and forced through the extrusion conduit 80, it moves along the disposal conduit 16 by being pushed by successive loads of material pushed by the platen 62. When the material 63 is pushed further along the disposal conduit 16 and enters the rectangular conduit 122, it pushes each of the paddles upward and out of the way. The material 63 is allowed to remain in the conduit 122 for as long as desired. However, when it is desired to remove the material therefrom independently of the pushing action exerted by the platen 62, the reciprocating conveyor 120 can be actuated by means of actuating the hydraulic cylinder 140 and its associated piston 142.

First, the reciprocating bar 124 is moved to the left. As seen in FIG. 4, since at the curve 121 in the conduit 122 the compacted material separates slightly, there is provided a space for the plate 132 of the first paddle 127 to rotate under the force of gravity in a clockwise direction and thus fit into the space. Once this occurs, the hydraulic cylinder 140 is actuated to pull the reciprocating bar 124 to the right which causes the entire length of the material in the rectangular conduit 122 to be pushed to the right under engagement of the end thereof with paddle 127 as shown in FIG. 5. The first paddle 127 is provided with a plate 132 having a length equal to only about one-half the height of the material and therefore more easily enters the space or indentation in the compacted material. As the reciprocating bar 124 moves to the right, the angle beam 134 prevents the paddle 127 from counter-rotating to the left as shown in FIG. 5 because of its contact with that portion of the bottom of the reciprocating bar 124 which defines the open slots 136. After the full stroke of the piston 142 to the right the reciprocating bar is moved a sufficient distance to the left so that the second paddle 126 can pivot downwardly under the force of gravity and engage the rear end of the material 63 in the conduit 122 as shown in FIG. 6. Then the reciprocating bar is once again moved to the right to move the material further along the conduit 122. This process is continued with successive paddles until all of the material desired to be removed exits from the conduit 122 at its end 123.

Turning now to FIGS. 7 and 8, the present invention is shown in combination with a refuse truck. In operation, the apparatus 10 is actuated in the same manner as described above. When the material compacted is pushed along the disposal conduit 16 by the platen 62, it enters the compartment 152 via the inlet I54 and breaks into discrete sections which fall to the bottom and then pile up inside and fill the compartment 152. When the compartment is filled, the hydraulic cylinder 164 is actuated to push the plate 162 towards the rear of the compartment as the hinge portion is opened to allow the compacted material to be pushed from the refuse truck. The cover plate 166 attached to the plate 162 blocks the inlet 154 when the plate 162 is in its rearmost position so that none of the compacted material can fall into the compartment 152 behind the plate 162. In this manner, extremely compacted refuse can be delivered to landfill areas and thus reduces the amount of space necessary to accommodate a specific amount of refuse. Also, fewer trips are necessary for each truck since each truck can carry more refuse due to the high compaction provided.

While two advantageous embodiments have been chosen to illustrate the invention, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications can be made therein without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

What is claimed is:

1. In a material compacting and disposal apparatus, the combination of:

a press unit comprising rigid means defining an elongated compression chamber having a uniform transverse cross-section throughout its length and an elongated lateral opening via which material can be supplied to the chamber,

a press platen having a shape conforming to the cross-sectional shape of said compression chamber,

first power means connected to said press platen to drive the same through said chamber,

confining wall means positioned adjacent said lateral opening to define a rigid precompression chamber .having a cross-sectional shape conforming to said lateral opening,

a gate having a plane shape conforming to the shape of said lateral opening and mounted for movement between an initial retracted position, in which uncompacted material can be supplied to said chambers, and an actuated position, in which said gate fills said lateral opening and completes said compression chamber, and

said power means connected to said gate and operative to force the same from said initial position through said precompression chamber to said actuated position to compress said material;

an extrusion housing forming a continuation of said compression chamber at the end thereof toward which said press platen is driven by said first power means, said extrusion housing comprising a fixed wall conduit with a lateral opening extending lengthwise thereof and across the entire width thereof,

a rigid extrusion gate of plane shape conforming to and extending completely across said lateral opening of said conduit, said extrusion gate being mounted for pivotal movement about a transverse axis located adjacent said conduit, and

yieldable means connected to said extrusion gate and operative to yieldably maintain the same in a position within said conduit, the space between said extrusion gate and said conduit defining a tapering extrusion throat having a maximum cross-section smaller than said compression chamber crosssection; and

elongated conduit means connected to said extrusion housing for conducting compressed material away therefrom.

2. In a material compacting and disposal apparatus,

the combination comprising:

first means for defining a compression chamber having a uniform cross-section;

second means, coupled to said first means, for defining a precompression chamber communicating with said compression chamber;

third means for defining a tapering extrusion throat communicating with said compression chamber and having a maximum cross-section smaller than said compression chamber cross-section;

fourth means, pivotally mounted for movement through said precompression chamber, for moving and compressing material delivered thereto into said compression chamber;

press means, mounted for movement through said compression chamber, for pushing compressed material in said compression chamber through said extrusion throat to further compress said material; and

conduit means, connected to said extrusion throat,

for conducting compressed material away therefrom,

said extrusion throat comprising a fixed wall conduit having a rectangular crosssection and a lateral opening extending lengthwise thereof across the entire width thereof, and

a rigid extrusion gate of plane shape having a width equal to the width of said opening and mounted for pivotal movement about an axis transverse to said wall conduit.

3. An apparatus according to claim 2, wherein said third means includes first power means for yieldably positioning said extrusion gate within said fixed wall conduit. 4. An apparatus according to claim 2, wherein said conduit means includes conveyor means for conveying said material away from said extrusion throat. 5. An apparatus according to claim 2, wherein said fourth means includes a planar gate; and second power means coupled to said gate for moving said gate between a retracted position and an activated position. 6. An apparatus according to claim 5, wherein said press means includes a press platen having a configuration conforming to the cross-section of said compression chamber; and third power means for moving said press platen between a retracted position and an activated position. 7. An apparatus according to claim 6, and further including control means for sequentially actuating said second power means and said third power means. 8. An apparatus according to claim 6 wherein said control means further includes means including time delay relays for releasing said first power means for yieldably positioning said extrusion gate if said press platen does not move from said retracted position to said activated position in a specified time period. 9. An apparatus according to claim 7 wherein said control means further includes switch means, adapted to be manipulated by the operator of the apparatus, for actuating said second power means; and means for automatically reversing the movement of said planar gate instigated by manipulation of said switch means unless said manipulation is continued until said planar gate reaches said activated position. 10. An apparatus to claim 1, wherein said fixed wall conduit extends at an angle of about 15 to the longitudinal axis of said compression chamber. 11. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said elongated conduit means comprises an elongated disposal conduit extending at an angle of about 15 to the longitudinal axis of said compression chamber, and a storage housing coupled to said disposal conduit and extending substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of said compression chamber, said apparatus further including a reciprocating conveyor coupled to said storage housing for moving compressed material therethrough. 

1. In a material compacting and disposal apparatus, the combination of: a press unit comprising rigid means defining an elongated compression chamber having a uniform transverse cross-section throughout its length and an elongated lateral opening via which material can be supplied to the chamber, a press platen having a shape conforming to the cross-sectional shape of said compression chamber, first power means connected to said press platen to drive the same through said chamber, confining wall means positioned adjacent said lateral opening to define a rigid precompression chamber having a cross-sectional shape conforming to said lateral opening, a gate having a plane shape conforming to the shape of said lateral opening and mounted for movement between an initial retracted position, in which uncompacted material can be supplied to said chambers, and an actuated position, in which said gate fills said lateral opening and completes said compression chamber, and said power means connected to said gate and operative to force the same from said initial position through said precompression chamber to said actuated position to compress said material; an extrusion housing forming a continuation of said compression chamber at the end thereof toward which said press platen is driven by said first power means, said extrusion housing comprising a fixed wall conduit with a lateral opening extending lengthwise thereof and across the entire width thereof, a rigid extrusion gate of plane shape conforming to and extending completely across said lateral opening of said conduit, said extrusion gate being mounted for pivotal movement about a transverse axis located adjacent said conduit, and yieldable means connected to said extrusion gate and operative to yieldably maintain the same in a position within said conduit, the space between said extrusion gate and said conduit defining a tapering extrusion throat having a maximum crosssection smaller than said compression chamber cross-section; and elongated conduit means connected to said extrusion housing for conducting compressed material away therefrom.
 2. In a material compacting and disposal apparatus, the combination comprising: first means for defining a compression chamber having a uniform cross-section; second means, coupled to said fIrst means, for defining a precompression chamber communicating with said compression chamber; third means for defining a tapering extrusion throat communicating with said compression chamber and having a maximum cross-section smaller than said compression chamber cross-section; fourth means, pivotally mounted for movement through said precompression chamber, for moving and compressing material delivered thereto into said compression chamber; press means, mounted for movement through said compression chamber, for pushing compressed material in said compression chamber through said extrusion throat to further compress said material; and conduit means, connected to said extrusion throat, for conducting compressed material away therefrom, said extrusion throat comprising a fixed wall conduit having a rectangular cross-section and a lateral opening extending lengthwise thereof across the entire width thereof, and a rigid extrusion gate of plane shape having a width equal to the width of said opening and mounted for pivotal movement about an axis transverse to said wall conduit.
 3. An apparatus according to claim 2, wherein said third means includes first power means for yieldably positioning said extrusion gate within said fixed wall conduit.
 4. An apparatus according to claim 2, wherein said conduit means includes conveyor means for conveying said material away from said extrusion throat.
 5. An apparatus according to claim 2, wherein said fourth means includes a planar gate; and second power means coupled to said gate for moving said gate between a retracted position and an activated position.
 6. An apparatus according to claim 5, wherein said press means includes a press platen having a configuration conforming to the cross-section of said compression chamber; and third power means for moving said press platen between a retracted position and an activated position.
 7. An apparatus according to claim 6, and further including control means for sequentially actuating said second power means and said third power means.
 8. An apparatus according to claim 6 wherein said control means further includes means including time delay relays for releasing said first power means for yieldably positioning said extrusion gate if said press platen does not move from said retracted position to said activated position in a specified time period.
 9. An apparatus according to claim 7 wherein said control means further includes switch means, adapted to be manipulated by the operator of the apparatus, for actuating said second power means; and means for automatically reversing the movement of said planar gate instigated by manipulation of said switch means unless said manipulation is continued until said planar gate reaches said activated position.
 10. An apparatus to claim 1, wherein said fixed wall conduit extends at an angle of about 15* to the longitudinal axis of said compression chamber.
 11. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said elongated conduit means comprises an elongated disposal conduit extending at an angle of about 15* to the longitudinal axis of said compression chamber, and a storage housing coupled to said disposal conduit and extending substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of said compression chamber, said apparatus further including a reciprocating conveyor coupled to said storage housing for moving compressed material therethrough. 